"It's never going to end": Experiences of residents recovering in damaged dwellings after superstorm sandy.

This article examines the experiences of residents recovering in-situ—that is, living in their significantly damaged homes—following Superstorm Sandy in New Jersey. Through focus groups with ten survivors who undertook housing recovery while residing in barely habitable dwellings, the study identifies key reasons for this choice, including uncertainty about housing options, reluctance to burden family, and concerns about looting. The recovery experience involved coping with secondary hazards (e.g., mold, pests), lack of utilities, and feelings of revictimization due to bureaucratic challenges and contractor issues, all of which complicated both physical and emotional recovery. The study highlights that emotional recovery remains elusive even after physical reconstruction, as residents lose agency over the process and face ongoing uncertainties such as insurance claw-backs. These findings contribute to disaster recovery literature by illuminating the intertwined physical, emotional, and perceptual challenges of in-situ recovery and suggest the need for improved support and communication strategies tailored to this vulnerable population.